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Dongfeng Outlines Its Strategy for Growth in the UAE Automotive Market

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A front-three-quarter shot of a DongFeng Shine driven on the road.

Exclusive Interview with Saj Jabbar, General Manager, M.A.H.Y. Khoory Automotive Dubai, UAE

What are some specific consumer trends in the UAE that you believe will shape the future of Dongfeng’s presence in the region?

Saj Jabbar, General Manager, M.A.H.Y. Khoory Automotive Dubai, UAE

The UAE automotive market is highly dynamic, with several key trends shaping its future. A major trend is the growing demand for affordable, feature-packed vehicles that offer a balance of quality and performance. Consumers expect vehicles to integrate advanced technologies such as driver-assistance systems, smart connectivity, and infotainment, all while maintaining competitive pricing. Additionally, sustainability is taking centre stage as the UAE government ramps up initiatives such as the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, heightening consumer interest in hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs). This shift provides Dongfeng and other brands in the MKA portfolio opportunities to lead the way in the transition toward greener mobility. Another significant trend is the preference for SUVs and crossovers, which dominate the market due to their practicality and versatility. We see this as a critical area for growth in the coming years.

A front-three-quarter shot of a DongFeng AX7

How involved is Dongfeng in localising its offerings for the UAE market, and what role does M.A.H.Y. Khoory play in this process?

Localisation is essential for success in the UAE automotive market, and Dongfeng has demonstrated a strong commitment to this process. As the sole distributor of Dongfeng vehicles in the UAE, MKA plays a pivotal role in tailoring Dongfeng’s offerings to meet the unique needs of UAE consumers. This involves ensuring that Dongfeng vehicles are optimised for the region’s harsh climate. We also collaborate closely with Dongfeng to provide market-specific configurations and features tailored for local buyers. Our partnership extends beyond product localisation; we recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art service centre in Dubai, with plans to expand our service network across the emirates. This ensures comprehensive aftersales support, which is a cornerstone of our approach to building long-term customer trust and loyalty.

Given the UAE’s competitive automotive market, what strategies are you employing to build consumer trust in a relatively new brand?

Establishing consumer trust is critical for us at MKA, especially as we expand our presence in a competitive market. Our strategy is built around three key pillars: product excellence, aftersales support, and strategic partnerships. We ensure that Dongfeng vehicles meet the highest international standards, offering advanced technology and competitive pricing. We have strengthened aftersales service, starting with the inauguration of our new Dubai service centre. We’re committed to providing seamless maintenance, transparent pricing, extended warranties, and access to genuine spare parts. Our partnership with One by One Car Rental to deliver 1,000 Dongfeng vehicles underscores our ability to meet the needs of both individual buyers and corporate customers. These collaborations enhance Dongfeng’s reputation in the UAE. Finally, we leverage targeted marketing campaigns and digital platforms to raise awareness about Dongfeng’s legacy as one of China’s leading automotive brands.

A front-three-quarter shot of a DongFeng Mage.

How do you see the UAE automotive market evolving over the next five years, particularly with the growing prominence of Chinese automakers?

The UAE automotive market is entering a transformative phase, driven by three key factors. First, the increasing prominence of Chinese automakers is reshaping the competitive landscape. Brands like Dongfeng are setting new benchmarks by offering high-quality vehicles at competitive prices. Second, the shift toward sustainability and EV adoption will accelerate, driven by government initiatives. Chinese automakers, with their advanced EV technologies, are well-positioned to lead this transition. At MKA, we see this as a significant growth opportunity and are actively preparing to introduce a broader range of EVs into our portfolio. Lastly, digitalisation will redefine how consumers interact with automotive brands. The UAE market will demand more innovative and tech-driven solutions.

How does Dongfeng Motor plan to position itself in the growing electric vehicle (EV) market in the UAE and the Middle East?

Dongfeng is at the forefront of EV innovation, and its entry into the UAE’s growing EV market is a significant milestone. As one of China’s leaders in EV development, Dongfeng is bringing advanced electric and hybrid models to the region. Our strategy revolves around product excellence, infrastructure support, and partnerships. We are introducing EVs that combine exceptional range, innovative design, and affordability. On the infrastructure front, MKA is actively engaging with stakeholders to support the development of a robust charging network.

Automotive

Udrive’s data reveals how freedom of choice is shaping UAE Millennials’ mobility habits

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Udrive, the UAE’s leading car-sharing platform, has released new proprietary data showing how app-based car access is becoming part of everyday work, school and leisure travel across the UAE. Customers aged 30 to 40 account for 45% of users, while mornings and weekends are the busiest periods across the platform. Residential communities and business districts generate the highest demand, showing how app-based car access is becoming part of everyday travel across the UAE.

This core age profile points to a generation seeking greater freedom to choose when, how and what they drive as they balance professional and family commitments. Activity rises during the morning as customers head to offices and schools, then builds again around afternoon pick-up times as families manage school collections and after-school activities. At weekends, shopping, leisure and social visits bring more customers onto the road.

This reflects the way many people live across the region, where changing jobs, growing families and new priorities can lead residents to move homes more frequently. From housing and entertainment to transport, greater choice and access are becoming increasingly important, allowing services to adapt as people’s lives change.

In Dubai, Karama, Al Nahda, Dubai Marina and Al Rigga rank among the most popular areas for vehicle pick-ups and drop-offs, with demand concentrated around residential neighbourhoods and nearby parking areas. Office-led travel also accounts for a major share of daily ridership, with Barsha Heights, Business Bay and the area around Emirates Headquarters among the strongest locations. These journeys include daily commutes, meetings and trips that involve several stops or fall outside fixed public transport schedules.

The Ford Territory, BYD QIN and MINI Cooper rank among the most preferred vehicles on the platform, with SUVs continuing to attract strong demand. Vehicle needs can change quickly, with a customer choosing a compact car today before moving to an SUV as their family grows, or upgrading to try something different. Long-term rental allows the vehicle to adapt to the customer’s life rather than tying them to the same car for several years.

“Life in the UAE moves quickly, and people’s circumstances and tastes can change considerably within a few years. We are seeing the same mindset with cars, as people want the convenience of having a vehicle alongside the flexibility to choose one that suits their needs today. Our data helps us understand how those needs are evolving so we can position vehicles effectively and build a fleet around the way residents move. At Udrive, our vision is to make mobility seamless, accessible and data-driven, ensuring our service continues to evolve with the needs of residents across the country, ” said Hasib Khan, Founder and CEO of Udrive.

Through the Udrive app, customers can locate, book and unlock a vehicle in minutes, with flexible rental options by the minute, hour, day, week or month. The service is designed around convenience and transparency, with zero deposit, no paperwork, office visits or delivery fees, and inclusive benefits such as free fuel and parking.

Udrive operates a fleet of over 2,000 vehicles across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman and has completed more than three million rentals. In 2025, customers travelled more than 45 million kilometres and completed over half a million trips, while registrations increased by 14% compared with 2024. Residents account for 90% of the customer base, demonstrating strong everyday demand for flexible car access.

As cities grow and travel patterns become more varied, Udrive will continue expanding its coverage and fleet choice across the country. The latest data shows car sharing becoming a regular part of commuting, family routines and leisure travel, giving residents access to a vehicle when needed.

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5 mobility tips to navigate the UAE this summer

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Summer changes the pace of life across the UAE as school holidays bring more family outings and airports become busier. Many plans also shift into the cooler evening hours, changing when and how people travel around the city. Dubai International is now one of the world’s busiest airports, handling 95.2 million passengers in 2025 alone, making early planning increasingly important during the summer travel season.

With these changing routines in mind, Yango Ride, the ride-hailing service part of global tech company Yango Group, shares five practical ways to make getting around easier.

Plan the airport journey before departure day

Getting to the airport can feel like the start of the holiday rush. Planning the night before can make the whole experience feel more relaxed. Double-check your departure terminal, set your packed bags aside early, and allow extra time for traffic or longer-than-usual security queues.

Scheduling a ride in advance can also help take the pressure off. Live tracking allows passengers to see when the driver is approaching and step outside at the right moment instead of waiting curbside in the heat. Selecting a clear pick-up point is especially helpful in buildings with multiple entrances, while families or passengers carrying extra luggage can choose a car with enough space for a comfortable journey.

Keep family days flexible and comfortable

Family days are much easier when everyone can stay cool and comfortable. Malls and indoor theme parks give children plenty of room to stay active away from the summer heat, while summer camps add regular drop-offs and pick-ups to an already busy week.

Coordination before setting off can save time later. Agree on an easy-to-find entrance or meeting point, especially at popular venues where several families may be arriving at once. Yango Ride’s Kids category can be used to travel in a car equipped with a child safety seat and is better suited to a family outing.

Turn a weekend into a local staycation

A weekend at a waterfront resort near Jebel Ali or a quieter hotel around Dubai’s historic districts can provide a refreshing change of setting without the planning or travel time of a longer trip. Booking a ride also makes it easier to bring the family and the bags without searching for hotel parking or leaving a car unused all weekend. Before the stay ends, arrange the return journey ahead of check-out so there is no last-minute rush. With the travel taken care of, there may even be time to enjoy lunch nearby or visit one more attraction before heading home.

Make the most of Dubai after dark

Dubai takes on a different rhythm after sunset, when cooler temperatures make it more comfortable to spend time outdoors. Ride-hailing can keep the night flexible when plans begin in one neighborhood and end somewhere else. Plan a walk around Al Seef before dinner in Downtown Dubai or meet friends near Dubai Marina without using the best part of the evening to search for parking.

Before setting off, a clear pick-up point away from crowded entrances will help the driver locate the passenger easily. If travelling home late, share the trip details with a trusted contact and enjoy the journey without having to think about the drive back.

Stay cool from door to destination

Even a short summer outing can feel tiring when it involves walking through the heat, sitting in traffic and searching for parking. Ride-hailing makes it easier to move from a cool indoor space to an air-conditioned destination with as little time outside as possible. Passengers can settle in and focus on the plans ahead instead of the road.

Behind the scenes, Yango’s routing technology uses local road conditions and predicted congestion to calculate efficient routes. In 2025, it saved users more than five million hours across over 20 cities, including 34,000 hours in Dubai and Abu Dhabi combined. With the journey taken care of, the whole outing can feel calmer, cooler and easier from beginning to end.

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ZEEKR SETS GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ TITLE WITH THE ZEEKR 7X AT YAS MARINA CIRCUIT, CELEBRATING FIVE YEARS OF INNOVATION

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The Zeekr 7X has earned a Guinness World Records™ title for the tightest gap passed through whilst drifting an electric car, successfully passing through a gap with an astonishing clearance of just 25 centimetres.

The record was officially achieved at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, showcasing the exceptional precision, stability, and dynamic control of the Zeekr 7X. The achievement demonstrates the advanced capabilities of Zeekr’s intelligent electric vehicle platform and reinforces the brand’s commitment to engineering excellence and innovation.

The Zeekr 7X’s record-setting performance is underpinned by a combination of advanced chassis engineering and intelligent vehicle control systems. Its front double wishbone suspension delivers exceptional steering precision and responsiveness, faithfully translating driver inputs into accurate vehicle movement. The high-output rear electric motor provides instant, precisely controllable torque, enabling smooth, sustained drifts while allowing fine adjustments to the vehicle’s direction through throttle modulation. Complementing these systems, the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) provides exceptional body rigidity and a low centre of gravity, enhancing stability, balance, and driver confidence under extreme driving conditions.

The record attempt formed the centrepiece of Zeekr’s global celebrations marking its fifth anniversary. Since its launch in 2021, Zeekr has rapidly established itself as a premium intelligent electric mobility brand, continually pushing the boundaries of design, technology, safety, and performance. This latest Guinness World Records™ achievement reflects the brand’s relentless pursuit of innovation and serves as a powerful demonstration of the engineering excellence behind the Zeekr 7X.

“Achieving a Guinness World Records title is a proud milestone for Zeekr and a fitting way to celebrate our fifth anniversary,” said Mr. Mars Chen, Vice President of Zeekr. “The Zeekr 7X embodies our commitment to intelligent engineering, precision, and performance. This achievement demonstrates the strength of our technology and reinforces our ambition to continue redefining premium electric mobility through innovation.”

“This Guinness World Records™ achievement reflects the innovation, precision, and performance that define Zeekr,” said Roberto Colucci, Director of Electric Vehicles at AWR Automotive. “We’re proud to celebrate this milestone and to bring the intelligent technology and advanced engineering of the Zeekr 7X to customers across the UAE.”

The celebration continued on 13 June 2026, when more than 200 Zeekr owners, customers, partners, and members of the UAE media gathered at Yas Marina Circuit to commemorate both the world record achievement and Zeekr’s five-year journey. The event brought together the Zeekr community to experience the brand’s latest innovations and celebrate this landmark moment.

As Zeekr enters its next chapter, the company remains committed to accelerating the future of intelligent electric mobility through cutting-edge technology, exceptional craftsmanship, and customer-centric innovation.

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